Tourism activities to do at Saanane Island National Park : Saanane national park is one of the national parks found in east Africa, particularly Tanzania. It was established as the first animal garden in the country by the government. Its establishment came as a result of the sole need to conserve the environment and natural resources as well as providing education to the society about conserving natural resources and environments as well.
Walking safari: Saanane Island National Park offers beautiful walking trails where visitors can explore nature at their own pace. While on your walking safari, you will have the chance to spot diverse wildlife, including impala, zebra, wildebeest klipspringer, rock hyrax, vervet monkeys, dik-dik, monkeys and various birds. Don’t miss the famous jumping stone, a unique spot perfect for photos along the way.
Bird Watching: For bird lovers, Saanane Island is a paradise. The park is home to many bird species, making it an excellent location for bird watching in Tanzania. The birds in the islands including resident bird species, migratory birds and water birds. Some of the bird species you may spot in the island includes grey heron, great egret, African sacred ibis, long-tailed cormorant, great cormorant, African darter, African jacana, lesser black-backed gull, long-crested eagle, African fish eagle, white-headed barbet, little bee-eater, African pygmy kingfisher and African malachite kingfisher among others.
Boat Tours: Experience Saanane Island from the water by joining a boat tour. Boat rides in the park can either be done in the morning hours or in the afternoon. These tours takes about 10 minutes boat ride to the island and allow visitors to view the stunning landscapes of Mwanza City where homes are built on rocks. During the boat cruise you will be able to view herds of hippos and crocodiles in water, view other animals along the water banks, enjoy great views of the sunrise or sunset, view colorful bird species like kingfishers, fish eagle, bee-eaters among others.
Fishing Around the Islands: Fishing is another great activity at Saanane Island. You can enjoy catch-and-release fishing in the surrounding waters. The Park HQ provides fishing rods for hire, making it easy for you to try your hand at catching local fish while enjoying the beautiful surroundings. During sport fishing you will be able to catch different fish types such as Tilapia, Nile perch among others by the use of catch and release method.
Camping on the Island: For adventurous travelers, camping on Saanane Island offers a chance to immerse yourself in nature. The park HQ rents out small tents, so you can spend a night under the stars. Falling asleep to the sounds of the wild is an unforgettable experience for nature lovers.
Special Events: Saanane Island National Park can host special events, making it an ideal venue for gatherings. Other events to enjoy at your comfort is picnic, bush lunch, photographing and filming, sunset viewing, Lake excursion, wedding, team building, family day and birthday event can also be done in the national park. Whether it’s a family reunion or a group outing with friends, you can arrange a unique experience in this beautiful setting. The natural beauty of the island adds charm to any event.
Safari accommodation at Saanane Island National Park
Tourists can camp inside the park but can as well obtain budget hotels and lodges from Mwanza. Some of these lodge options available includes Victoria Palace hotel, Hotel Tilapia, Lessa Garden hotels, Saanane Beach hotel, Rocky Bay Resort and camping, Isamilo lodge and spa, Gold crest hotel, Waghill lodge, Ryans Bay hotel and Malaika Beach resort among others
Safari ideas
Saanane is a peaceful place to take a break during a tour of the lake. This journey could connect Musoma to Burigi Chato National Park, with stops at Rubondo Island National Park and several other islands on the lake along the way.
